4 replies to this topic

[bunktheclown]

Was not sure where to post this so I figured the predator forum would be best. Background: We live next to the RR tracks and walk our dogs there nearly every night. Lots of dirt bike trails and can leave the dogs off leash. 2 weeks ago my wife was alone with the dogs (Pointer and Golden retriever) when my pointer came running back with 3 coyotes right on him, the larger male (I think) was running along side of him trying to bite his neck. My wife started screaming at the dogs and the yotes peeled off about 10ft in front of her. Needless to say she was freaked out and very worried about walking up there again un-armed.

Now neither one of us has a concealed carry and since you can't open carry anymore and I am really on private property I did not really want to take a chance packing my pistol. So I started carrying my son's single shot .410 with the breach open and 3" #4's in my pocket.

Last night I head out on my walk with the dogs shotgun in hand. I don't get 200 yards up the tracks and 2 yotes pop out of my neighbors property and head into the bush about 50 yards ahead of me. I called both my dogs back to me and put a shell in the chamber, closed the breach and took the safety off. (still have to pull the hammer to fire).

I walked up to where they crossed the tracks to see if I could see anything. At first I thought my pointer had ran up after them so I called him back. He comes running back from my right side and as I turn I see a third coyote right behind him (+- 2 ft) doing this run / stalk move.

By now they are both less than 20 yards from me. I yelled HEY!!!!! My dog keeps running to me and the yote stops, still in a crouch with his hackles all raised up and bearing his teeth. I have never seen a yote do that before! I swing the gun around and pull the hammer back. I guess the sudden movement spooked him enough to turn and run. Just as he turned broadside I dropped the hammer! He lurched a bit as I seen most of the 11/16oz load hit home. He then takes off up the tracks then over a small hill and into the manzanita's. I paced off the distance of where I thought he was standing when I took the shot at 18 yards!

I did find a blood trail but very small. A drop here and drop there kind of thing. I followed it all the way up until it disappeared into the bush. I was not about to track this wounded pissed off yote with my dogs with me. I finished my walk and checked the area again and found nothing.


I plan on going back up there tonight with the wife so she can watch the dogs as I look around the area he disappeared.

-jb


Disclaimer:
Yes I know the RR is private property and I am technically trespassing. I walk there all the time and have run into may workers and RR personnel including the RR police and not once have they asked me to leave.

[ShooterJohn]

I glad to hear you and your dogs are okay and congrats on your first coyote. But being a former Southern Pacific Railroad employee you need to be extremely careful on or around any railway lines. If you had a gun I doubt the RR police would have been as nice, one of the biggest fears is people shooting at trains. I also believe if their boss knew they allowed you to be there they would be reprimanded or lose their jobs. Someone struck by a train is going to sue and they are very aware of how litigious people are. And don't think for a minute you could never be struck by an engine or rail car for as big as they are they can sneak up on you. Especially if you are trying to rein in your dogs when one comes along.

[BCF]

Awesome story. Glad your dogs are okay. Sounds like they are natural decoy dogs. You might want to get a license to carry, so you don't have to worry about whether or not you can protect yourself and your dogs legally.

[bunktheclown]

I glad to hear you and your dogs are okay and congrats on your first coyote. But being a former Southern Pacific Railroad employee you need to be extremely careful on or around any railway lines. If you had a gun I doubt the RR police would have been as nice, one of the biggest fears is people shooting at trains. I also believe if their boss knew they allowed you to be there they would be reprimanded or lose their jobs. Someone struck by a train is going to sue and they are very aware of how litigious people are. And don't think for a minute you could never be struck by an engine or rail car for as big as they are they can sneak up on you. Especially if you are trying to rein in your dogs when one comes along.

John thanks for the advise and I understand the risks of trains as we had one de-rail in that area last year. I mostly walk on the back trails and not on the tracks themselves. When I do carry my shotgun I make sure the breach is open as to not present the threat that I am hunting or shooting at the trains. Again thanks for the insight.

Awesome story. Glad your dogs are okay. Sounds like they are natural decoy dogs. You might want to get a license to carry, so you don't have to worry about whether or not you can protect yourself and your dogs legally.

BCF, i have been thinking about applying for a CCW since the first encounter. Sounds like it's pretty difficult to justify in Placer county.

-jb

[ShooterJohn]

I think Placer county is pretty reasonable on CCW's or at least they used to be. I would certainly give it a shot it you truly want one.